REPRESENTATIVE BOB RITA SCORES A MAJOR WIN CREATING LAW THAT WOULD SAVE LIVES ALONG DEADLY STRETCH OF 127TH STREET
Robert “Bob” Rita- Illinois State Representative of the 28th Legislative District- scored a significant victory this week in his fight to combat a dangerous, deadly section of roadway near a popular park in the south suburban community of Blue Island. But under his proposed legislation, other alike communities will become safer as well.
Black Female Developer Driving Impact on Chicago’s South Side
Making a true impact is difficult for any individual, and it is especially difficult for young black females working in development, but that isn’t stopping Brittini Flatley from pursuing her goal of providing a new blueprint for what residential reentry centers should look like. Using her career in real estate development as a springboard, Flatley is hoping to corroborate a new alternative system developed in Colorado under the Second Chance Center, Inc. that will dramatically reduce the recidivism rate by providing a multi-use center to help recently incarcerated individuals readjust to life outside of prison. The development, planned for the south side of Chicago, will be called the Halim A. Flowers Center
Hope Chicago Organization provided free tuition to 4,000 students on South and West sides
Malik Banbridge always wanted to be a funeral home director. He has been talking about going to college for some months. His mother, Sharon Smith, has been out of work for a year, but didn’t want to spoil his dream. She prayed that something would happen. Her prayers were answered when Hope Chicago announced that it would provide free tuition to students at Al Raby High School where Malik is a senior.
Pat Dowell Filed Candidate Petitions for Illinois 1st Congressional District
Pat Dowell filed more than 2,200 signatures on her petitions to run for the Democratic nominee for First Congressional District Representative in Illinois. Since her team was fully prepared and arrived early to get in line, Dowell was first among the other candidates in this race to turn in her petitions at the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield on Monday, March 7.
Sheriff Dart Warns Public of Phone Scam
Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart is alerting the public to a recent phone scam in which the caller claimed to be an employee of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and called from a number disguised to appear as though it was from the Sheriff’s Office.
Black owned media procurement bill passes House
An amendment to the Illinois Procurement Code would increase the percentage that Black-owned media receives from state agencies in media purchases. Currently, the Illinois Procurement Code allows for state agencies to set aside 10% of their media purchasing for Black media. The HB0378 would increase that number to 20%.Illinois State Representative Thaddeus Jones, D. Dist. 29, introduced the Illinois House Bill 0378 on Jan. 29, 2021. On March 3, 2022, it was voted on in the Illinois House and passed 72-23. Now the bill is in the Senate awaiting a vote.
Shaw University’s “Platinum Sound” Marching Band is Featured in National Advertising Campaign
For decades, Platinum Sound Marching Band has been a staple at Shaw University, one of the oldest Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation. To support Platinum Sound’s tradition of bringing joy to sports fans and the local community, McDonald’s USA and its local Owner/Operators surprised the Band with a $100,000 grant on Feb. 19 during the University’s Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament (CIAA) send-off ceremony.
Film explores activism, includes healing component
In 15 minutes, Maxwell Emcays was about to produce an activism film with redeeming qualities. His short film, “Jail,” was inspired by the community work he has been doing in the city. Emcays has been doing a lot of community and grassroots organization activism work. He has experienced some of the challenges of working with the established city’s political and business structure. When Kanye West’s “Donda” came out, the song, “Jail,” sparked Emcays to tell a narrative to discuss the challenges he experienced. Emcays wanted some type of healing and holistic message for his film.
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FPL is committed to supporting our communities to help make them better places to live, work and raise a family. One way we do this is by supporting education programs that enrich students’ experiences, as it relates to science and math programs, and which many times help break down barriers to opportunity. This new scholarship will help further our state’s future leaders as they pursue a higher education.
KISS Colors & Care Partners with Jayda Cheaves for Ambassadorship
KISS Colors & Care, an innovative, high-performance textured hair care brand from KISS Products Inc., is thrilled to announce its partnership with entrepreneur and influencer Jayda Cheaves for the brand’s women’s collection in 2022.
Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returns $250,000 to Spelman College
Grace Scipio wanted to give back to her alma mater, Spelman College, when she died. The Chicago Public School teacher was a native of Georgia and attended the University of Chicago for her Master’s Degree. She died in 2019, the $250,000 was in a savings account. With the help of Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs’ office, the money has been returned to Spelman College.
The Auditorium Theatre Presents An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry
The Auditorium Theatre announces An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Making her Chicago concert debut at the Auditorium, Renée is best known for her role as Angelica Schuyler in the musical phenomenon Hamilton. She is a multi-gifted actress and singer who has delivered award winning performances both on Broadway and on screen. For one night only, Goldsberry performs a high-energy spiritual journey reminiscent of a good old-fashioned revival, singing pop, soul, and Broadway classics. Following the performance there will be a celebration on the Auditorium Theatre’s iconic stage with cocktails, buffet, desserts, and live music. All proceeds benefit the Auditorium Theatre, a nonprofit National Historic Landmark. Tickets are available for only the performance or the performance plus post-show party.
A Career in construction changes woman’s life
Lashundria Dewberry was looking for a career change. She knew she didn’t want to work as a security guard forever. In the back of her mind, she always had a career in construction as an ideal option. In 2015, she decided to pursue a career in construction and go through a four-month training program. Now, she is a journeyman laborer for Union Local 76 Cement.
UMe Reissues Five Classic Uptown Records Albums
Celebrating one of the most storied labels in R&B and hiphop, Universal Music Enterprises reissues a suite of five classics from Uptown Records available now. The label proudly presents the definitive versions of these albums with unreleased tracks, remixes, and more. Guy’s The Future (Expanded Edition), Heavy D & The Boyz’s Big Tyme (Expanded Edition), Jodeci’s Forever My Lady, Jodeci’s Diary of a Mad Band (Expanded Edition), and Christopher Williams’s Changes (Expanded Edition) are available to listen to
MAJOR RELIGIOUS LEADER TO MAKE POWERFUL ENDORSEMENT IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RACE TO REPLACE REPRESENTATIVE BOBBY RUSH
Bishop Larry D. Trotter-Senior Pastor of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago- will be joined by hundreds of congregant sand fellow ministers as he will make public of his endorsement of 3rd Ward Chicago Alderman Pat Dowell to replace outgoing Congressman Bobby Rush of the 1st Congressional District of Illinois.
CancerIQ Raises $14M Series B Funding to Improve Access to Innovations in Cancer Early Detection and Prevention
CancerIQ, the platform powering early cancer detection and prevention across broad patient populations, announced it closed a $14 million Series B financing round co-led by Merck Global Health Innovation Fund (Merck GHI) and Amgen Ventures. McKesson Ventures, OSF Ventures (the investment arm of OSF HealthCare, a current CancerIQ customer), as well as CancerIQ’s Series A lead investor, HealthX Ventures, also participated in the Series B round
Cook County Clerk’s Office to Lead Estate Planning & Property Fraud Prevention Informational Forum March 24
Cook County Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough and Commissioner Bridget Degnen will host an educational forum on March 24 to share information that will help residents better understand the Estate Planning process and instruct them how to safely transfer their home, car, or bank accounts without fees or lengthy court delays
STATE REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES SUCCESSFULLY PASSES HB-0378 OUT OF THE ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
STATE REPRESENTATIVE THADDEUS JONES SUCCESSFULLY PASSES HB-0378 OUT OF THE ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THIS BILL REQUIRES A MANDATE FOR BLACK OWN MEDIA NOW THE BILL HEADS TO THE SENATE. REP. JONES SAYS AFTER YEARS OF WITNESSING THE STATE SPEND MILLIONS IN ADVERTISING DOLLLARS THAT BYPASSED BLACK OWNED MEDIA COMPANIES, REP JONES STANDS UP FOR BLACK MEDIA
New Tool Makes It Easier for ComEd Customers to Take Control of Their Bills and Energy Use
With the launch of its Smart Assistance Manager (SAM), ComEd has made it easier for families and individuals to access customized financial assistance options, as well as programs to help them manage their electric bills.
